Course Syllabi
I primarily teaches courses in international relations and comparative politics that add to Lander's curriculum in political science and international studies. I sometimes offers courses in American politics and have offered Honors College courses as well. A recent syllabus from each course taught at Lander is provided below, with the appropriate semester noted in parentheses. Directed independent studies (DIS) courses are not included.
- POLITICAL SCIENCE CLASSES
- POLS 101: American National Government (summer 2014 file)
- POLS 103: Introduction to World Politics (spring 2019 file)
- POLS 303: International Relations (fall 2013 file)
- POLS 305: European Politics (spring 2018 file)
- POLS 308: Intro. to Law [Law, Politics, & Society] (summer 2015 file)
- POLS 325: International Conflict (fall 2014 file)
- POLS 360: Congress and the Presidency (summer 2009 file)
- POLS 361: Nationalism in the British Isles (summer 2013 file)
- POLS 361: Politics of Globalization [Intl. Political Economy] (fall 2011 file)
- POLS 361: War and Nationalism in Britain (summer 2015 file)
- POLS 366: International Law (spring 2020 file)
previously International Law and Organization (spring 2017) - POLS 386: State and Local Government (fall 2017 file)
- POLS 390: The Politics of Globalization (fall 2015 file)
- POLS 445: American Foreign Policy (fall 2019 file) (fall 2020 file)
- HONORS COLLEGE CLASSES
- HP 113: Intl. Issues in Business & Public Affairs (spring 2013 file)
- HONS 291: U.S. Foreign Policy in the 21st Century: Simulating Decision-Makers in Crisis (spring 2015 file)
POLS 445: American Foreign Policy always includes a simulation of the U.S. National Security Council. POLS 366: International Organization and Law always includes a simulation of the United Nations Security Council. HONS 291: U.S. Foreign Policy in the 21st Century: Simulating Decision-Makers in Crisis in spring 2015 included many simulations as students were NSC officials. Other role-playing activities and debates are are a part of many other classes.
Teaching Philosophy and STYLE
I remain enthusiastic about teaching and enjoy an interactive classroom environment. My goals are to nurture and cultivate students’ excitement and interest in politics, involve them in all aspects of the class, and provide them with the tools needed to comprehend important concepts and to think critically. My teaching style enables students to learn important concepts and apply this knowledge to analyze current events which connect with course topics. I think this makes learning more fun for students and emphasizes that understanding politics is very relevant in today’s globalized world.
I like to incorporate a variety of teaching methods into my classes, including simulations and other role-playing activities. I also believe in providing students with original sources when possible. I make use technology aides such as PowerPoint and Blackboard, and use websites, short news clips, and films to illustrate examples and provide background information.
My teaching style enables students to learn important concepts and apply this knowledge to analyze current events which connect with course topics. I think this makes learning more fun for students and emphasizes that understanding politics is very relevant in today’s globalized world. I also believe in sometimes challenging students with unconventional and alternative viewpoints so that bias and over-generalizations can be realized and avoided. By giving examples of my own bias—such as my ideas about the world before traveling abroad—I show that recognition of our own bias is a part of academic growth. Furthermore, because of my positive experience as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in England for twelve months, I encourage students to venture outside of their comfort zones and consider study abroad and semester away opportunities.
I remind students that the ability to write clearly, speak coherently, and be skilled at debate can be rewarding skills that can enable them to pursue a wide variety of vocations and careers. Therefore, I am committed to writing assignments in every class, time for debate and discussion, and to provide role-playing opportunities and—when possible—full simulations of decision-making groups.
I like to incorporate a variety of teaching methods into my classes, including simulations and other role-playing activities. I also believe in providing students with original sources when possible. I make use technology aides such as PowerPoint and Blackboard, and use websites, short news clips, and films to illustrate examples and provide background information.
My teaching style enables students to learn important concepts and apply this knowledge to analyze current events which connect with course topics. I think this makes learning more fun for students and emphasizes that understanding politics is very relevant in today’s globalized world. I also believe in sometimes challenging students with unconventional and alternative viewpoints so that bias and over-generalizations can be realized and avoided. By giving examples of my own bias—such as my ideas about the world before traveling abroad—I show that recognition of our own bias is a part of academic growth. Furthermore, because of my positive experience as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in England for twelve months, I encourage students to venture outside of their comfort zones and consider study abroad and semester away opportunities.
I remind students that the ability to write clearly, speak coherently, and be skilled at debate can be rewarding skills that can enable them to pursue a wide variety of vocations and careers. Therefore, I am committed to writing assignments in every class, time for debate and discussion, and to provide role-playing opportunities and—when possible—full simulations of decision-making groups.